New HP Envy 6 - Facing problems with backup and partitioning.

[SkratAttack]

Hello.

I recently purchased the new HP Envy 6.

1. I am unable to do a the standard windows 'create a system backup' in the Backup and Restore option. After a while, it gives a 0x80070002 error saying 'The system cannot find the file specified' ; and my External hard drive autoplays. I have found quite a few similar problems online but none of the solutions have worked. I tried doing a factory restore, failed again.

2. While partitioning the hard drive using Disk Management, I was easily able to shrink the C: to 125 GB but faced problems when creating a new volume. It asks to create the Basic ton Dynamic Disk and then fails to do so. Apparently there are 4 primary volumes already - System, c:, Recovery and HP tools. So how do I allocate the remaining?

3. The HP Envy 6 does not have an optical drive, so how do I best create a backup of my OS?

Thank you.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I can't help with question 1. I gave up on Windows Backup and Restore due to peculiarities such as you are experiencing.

Question 2: Whatever you do, do NOT convert or accept dynamic disks.

Question 3: Most would tell you to use an external disc. It's a good idea to have one to back up your personal data, in addition to the OS. Not sure, but you might be able to back up the OS to a USB stick.

The best single thing you can do now is to post a picture of Windows Disk Management so we can see your current partition arrangement. You may have to convert C to a logical drive, but the picture is needed.

 

[SkratAttack]

Well, I THINK I've solved the partitioning issue. I converted the Recovery partition to logical, keeping the C: as primary. Hope this is okay.

The major issue remains the backup. I cannot find a freeware that will make a system image of my OS on my external hard drive. There is no optical drive, so can't make a repair/backup disk.

 

[karlsnooks]

SkratAttack,
You did the one thing you should have not done!
No, it is not OK.
Go put things back like they were.

Then, carry out following:HOW TO POST A SNAPSHOT OF DISK MANAGEMENT DISPLAY
Run disk management:
WIN | type DISKMGMT.MSC | ENTER
This method gives you a display without the unneeded navigation pane.
WIN=key with Microsoft logo on top.

Maximize the output of Disk Management:
Maximize the output of Disk Management:
ALT-Spacebar key combo | X key (selects Maximize) |
Drag the field separators (such as between Status and Capacity) to show entire field.


Make a snapshot:
WIN | type SNIPPING | ENTER | New
Drag the cursor around the area you want to snip.
File | Save as | select save location and name | Save


Post the snapshot:
Post a File or Screenshot in Seven Forums


============================================
============================================

We need full and complete System Specs:

Update your SevenForums System Specs
User CP (located on the top menu bar) |
Your Profile | Edit System Spec (left-hand column)

To gather info, use Speccy (my favorite) or SIW or System Info

In the System Manufacturer Block, enter:
Manufacturer and Model and
ADD the word laptop, desktop, netbook or tablet.
For example:
Toshiba Satellite L305D notebook.

Provide full windows version info, for example:
MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit

Use the “Other Info” block for Optical Reader,
Mouse, touchpad, wifi adapter, speakers, monitor, etc

Scroll down and click on SAVE CHANGES.

You will find that in Speccy, you can select info from the display
using your mouse/touchpad and then paste that info into your specs.

SIW is a marvelous program, but the free version does not offer
this capability.

========================================================

There is zero wrong with the one and only backup software that I use and recommend, namely,
Win 7 Backup and Restore.

Yes, you always want to back up to an external drive. What would you do if your internal drive failed? You would be without a backup.

When we get your partitioning problem solved, then I'll show you how to use Win 7 Backup and Restore.

 

[SkratAttack]

Well, I did as you said and reverted all changes. Here is an image of my Disk management.


I'll have to convert one of them to logical, no? HP Tools doesn't budge, so that leaves one of C: and Recovery.

Thanks.

 

[karlsnooks]

Oh yes. HP and their unfriendly way of using partitions.

The easiest approach for you may be to make your HP recovery DVDs and then get rid of the HP Tools and HP Recovery partitions.

Let me ask one of the other chaps who has seen many of these. My approach with HP is to simply wipe the disk clean and install Win 7 and then download any special software needed, but he can probably give you other tips.

Don't know if he has already gone to bed or not. If already asleep, then you'll need to wait till tomorrow for an answer giving you the options that he recommends.

 

[SkratAttack]

Well, herein lies the major problem. My laptop does not have a CD/DVD drive, so I cannot make any recovery/repair disks. Which is why I'm having trouble making a backup system image as well.

 

[karlsnooks]

I don't know what the options are then with your model. I suspect if you were to visit the HP site, that you will find out how to make backup media for your notebook.

 

[gregrocker]

The easiest solution if you want to keep the HP disk configuration with workable Primary Recovery and bootable Diagnostics Tools partitions, is to use free Partition Wizard bootable CD to convert C to Logical and shrink it to add as many contiguous Logical partitions as you please.

How to set partition as Primary or Logical.
Partition Wizard Resize Partition Video Help.

 

[karlsnooks]

greg,
I think you might want to take a look at his DiskManagement snapshot.

 

[gregrocker]

I did, Karl. What did I miss? It looks exactly like standard preinstalled HP disk config.

What we've learned over the years here is that what's safest to do to add another partition(s) if you want to keep functional the Recovery and HP Diagnostics Tools is to convert C to Logical then shrink it to add any needed Logical partitions.

 

[SkratAttack]

I did, Karl. What did I miss? It looks exactly like standard preinstalled HP disk config.

What we've learned over the years here is that what's safest to do to add another partition(s) if you want to keep functional the Recovery and HP Diagnostics Tools is to convert C to Logical then shrink it to add any needed Logical partitions.

Hello. I tried doing as you said but when I try converting the C: to logical, I get a warning message that states, 'The selected partition is a system partition. The operation might cause your system to be unbootable. '

I'm unsure as to whether i should proceed.

 

[gregrocker]

The System boot files are on the partiition labeled "System" as signified by the System and Active labels. If you're converting C to Logical to shrink it to add additional Logical sub-partitions then it will not affect the ability of WIn7 to boot.